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Bleeding during sex is actually very normal, saysMoushumi Ghose, a licensed sex therapist.

bleeding after sex a woman hanging bloody underpants up to dry

Design by Bella Geraci

Perhaps not period heavy but enough to leave a few splotches on a nice duvet cover.

Enough to notice, you know?

?but it shouldnt be cause for concern.

And if youre on your period, a little extra blood after sex is totally expected.

Postcoital bleeding can also happen during ovulation.

Check in with your body and how youre feeling.

But if bleeding during sex happens regularly or you experience pain, talk to your doctor.

Is it normal to bleed after sex?

Short answer: yes.

Does light spotting after sex mean Im pregnant?

Stop going down the Google rabbit hole.

There are several common causes of bleeding after sex, but pregnancy is not typically one.

There are many other causes that are much more likely.

So why do I bleed after sex?

Here are some of the most common causes for postcoital bleeding, according to the experts.

The idea is to promote as much elasticity in the vagina as possible.

If you notice that youre bleeding pretty regularly after sex, even light bleeding, speak with your doctor.

It may be helpful to try shallower sex positions, such as spooning or sitting face-to-face.

Be sure youre super, super turned on before you have sex.

(It helps if youhave an orgasmbeforeany penetration even occurs.)

If you are feeling very dry and delicate, stop, says Rowett.

Slow down and use lube.

I cannot stress my love for lube enough.

Lube is the stuff dreams are made on.

Bleeding after intercourse is a symptom for everything from the herpes virus and chlamydia to cervical HPV.

The best way to prevent this is to get tested for STIs.

If you have multiple sex partners, get screened every 8 to 10 weeks.

If youre monogamous, its still imperative to check in once a year.

If you suspect this is the case, definitely seek out your health-care provider.

Bleeding happens when these polyps are disrupted.

For example, when theyre being poked at during sex.

According to Ghose, endometriosis can also cause post-sex bleeding.

This is completely normal but can be a bit alarming.

This includes pills, patches, vaginal rings, and the hormonal IUD.

But Dr. Nye says cancer usually comes along with other symptoms, not just bleeding.

If youre worried this might be the case, Dr.

So is it cancer?

Is it worth getting checked out?

When should I see a doctor about vaginal bleeding?

There are several totally not-scary and common reasons why you might be bleeding after sex.

In most cases bleeding after intercourse is not serious, says Dr. Wilson.

That said, there are a few serious conditions that would need to be treated if thats an issue.

However, if it continues, an evaluation should occur, she says.

“Again, any heavy vaginal or recurrent bleeding after intercourse should be evaluated.

How can I prevent bleeding after sex in the future?

For each cause, the treatment might be different, says Dr. Wilson.

If any vaginal dryness is present, use of a personal lubricants can be helpful.